The Scranton tribune. (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, September 25, 1896, Page 2, Image 2

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    THE SCRANTON TRIBUNE FRIDAY" MORNING. SEPTEMBER 25, 1896.
INSPECTORS REPORT
ON TWIN SHAFT
(.Concluded from Pass 1.1
many a time. The pillars in the Twin
shuft were equal to the pillars in other
collieries in which he had worked, but
the gangways were jnot. He noticed
the pillars "chipping oft."
Michael Lnngan testified he was 34
years of nge, and was a tlinberman
by occupation, lie had worked In this
colliery fourteen months; had observed
the pillars siiurezliig and was afraid;
thought the pillars were too small. On
the night of June 27 the fire boss told
them the was caving In. and we could
not get in on account of gas. and I
said it is time to get out, and so I did."
Coming from No. 3 slope to bottom of
shaft lie did not notice any indications
of a "siiueeae."
Hugh .McDonald, mine Inspector,
test Hied thut he did not expect any
trouble from the pillars being too
small, or ho would have taken meas
ures to stop the men from working.
He thought the pillars, compared with
those In other collieries In his district,
were lurpe enough. He hud never s-on
uny signs of a squeeze ami had not
been nuiltied by the superintendent of
any squeeze Mr. McDonald, was
asked to point out on the map the lo
cation of the different Important open
ings nnd their rMullve position to the
cave-in. The attorney general wished
to ascertain Hist who made the map
und ir It had been drawn to the stale
of ion feet to i1h Inch, as required by
law. Mr. McDonald said that the map
was made by David C. Davis, mining
engineer for the Newton Coal com
pany, and delivered to him in his of
liclal caiMicity something over two
years ago. It was extended regularly
to the scab- of 100 feet to the inch
He was then Interrogated as to his
opinion nf the cause of the extensive
.:ic-in. its extent, and also what ef
fect the tissuiv. discovered near where
the bore hole was drilled, had on the
str.itu.
David C. Davis testified that he was
31 .Mars of age and by profession a
i.ilnirg engineer for tint Newton Coal
c 'lniiMiiy. lie had been a minim? en
gineer fur six years and used to malte
surveys of the Twin s-haft mine every
week. He stated how those surveys
were made. He made a general survey
evtiy six mouths, lie stated that the
two v ir.K were worked together, and,
a.-i near us -anybody could get at them,
the pilluis of one seemed to be over
tiie pillars of the other and the (-.lumbers
were over chambers. He had been
in the colliery Thursday before the
f.cclilcnt. mid noticed at one point a
little disturbance, but throughout the
whole vein there was no general dis
turbance, lie then explained how he
made his measurements while making
Ids miveys. lie Mated that where two
veins are So approximate us In t lie
Twin shaft, tticy are worked ni
pt ther all over the valley."
William Siley teMlllod that he had
been employed by the Lehigh Valley
Coal company as a mining engineer
for twelve years; that he made sur
veys of that portion of the Twin shaft
colliery where the coal Is mined under
lands belonging to the Lehigh Valley
company; that he made a survey three
times a year, and that the man pro
duced by him corresponded with the
map Mr. Davis hud made for the use
of the mine inspector, as nearly as It
was possible to have it.
The remainder of his testimony, and
that of the other witnesses, is given
in full witii this report.
HISTORY OF THE COLLIERY.
In order to mnke a complete report
(in so sudden nnd serious a calamity,
it Is necessary that we should give a
history of the colliery and of the col
liery officials and their connection with
It. together with the mode of operating
it. and a comparison with other iol-lit-ries
in the same vicinity, mining the
same coal seam and environed by the
same conditions.
The Twin shaft was first sunk to
the Checker und f'ittston seams some
thirty years ago, afterwards to the
Matey vein, and subsequently an ex
tension of the shaft was made to the
Jti d Ash vein, which Is split Into two
members, called the No. 5 and No. 6
veins, which ale considered to be the
deepest in this basin. The shaft is
sunk near the Junction of the Lehigh
Valley and the Delaware, Lackawan
na und Western railroads, within t lie
city limits of Pittston, In the northern
anthracite coal fields of the Wyoming
basin, Luzerne county. The total
depth of the shaft Is 434 feet to the
lied Ash vein. '1'hlu vein has been in
operation about nine years, and dur
ing thirty years the colliery has been
operated by six or more different coal
companies. Tiie present owner are
the Newton Coal Mining company,
who took possession of the Twin shaft
mine in ISMi. .John A. Moat's, who was
a member of the company, was made
general manager and served as such
until Sept. 1. is'.ti'. A large ana of ihe
oil property, from which they mined
their coal, is owned by and leased from
the Lehigh alley company, and the
remaining coal lands, tributary to the
operation, an owned by the Newton
Ci.il company. The colliery map ac
companying our report, which was nf-
ri red in evidence, shows the under
ground workings of the No. f and No.
6 veins, nnd the territory over which
they have been mined. The red lines
show the No. 5 nnd the black No.
veins. The map also shows that O'i per
cent, of coal has been mined under
that poi tion of the lands marked "Ell
K. Price;" Ci! per cent, from under the
bed of the Susquehanna river, nnd 114
per cent, from under the lands known
us the "Bank Farm," the remaining
to 40 per cent, being left as pillar sup
ports. When the Twin shaft reached the
red ash vein it wus found to be
"faulty" and thin, by reason of a rock
"fault," which, us shown on the map.
extends from the shaft n distance of
1.400 feet southeast and southwest, and
through which a tunnel is driven two
hundred and lorty feet to win Ihe coal
south of the shnft. As the workings
of No. G vein extended towards the
point located at the foot of No. 3 slope
(elevation 91.1) the No. 5 vein was ac
cidentally discovered by reason of hav
ing to blast down the roof of No. II
vein In order to make n uniform road
grade. This exposed the upper mem
ber of the red ash vein, and was proved
to he from four to four and one-half
feet thick. A transportation road
(technically called in and nbout Pitts
ton a "run") was made into It. No. 8
vein, however, had been mined con
siderably in advance before No. 5 vein
was opened, und much dllllculty was
experienced in maintaining the trans
portation road beds of No. u vein, on
account of the rock strata between the
two veins being only 8. 12 and 20 feet
thick. As thlB occasionally fell down
it was necessary to fill up with refuse
and build "cogs." so as to raise the road
beds to their original position and nlso
serve as pillar supports. In course of
mining No. D vein, Mr. Davis, mining
engineer, testified that every effort had
been made to form the chambers and
pillurs in No. 5 vein over those con
structed In No. 6 vein. The map shows
that a little over none acres of the No.
5 vein hnd been mined before the acci
dent occurred.
SUPERINTENDENT LAWS DUTIES
In September. 1892, the Newton Coal
Mining company secured the services
of John H. Law, a reputable mining
engineer and graduate of Lafayette col
lege, who discharged the duties of his
position up to the date of the accident,
his chief underground officials being M.
J. Langan. goneral Inside mine super
intendent and M. T. Lynott. Inside fore
. man. John .1). Law, an his evidence
shows, was for several years general
, mine superintendent for the Pennsyl
' vania Coal company, Plttston,' and
nerved In this capacity up to the time
his services were secured by the New
ton Coal Mining company a Its gen
eral manager.
Ills duties, as described by himself
In the evidence, was to employ compet
ent men a: the head of each depart
ment of the Newton Coal company's
Interests as well as to oversee the com
pany's affairs, financially und other
wise. He hud Implicit confidence In the
ability of Mr. Langan to conduct all
the mining operations belonging to tne
company, with due regard to the safety
or the man, nnd to the best interests
of all concerned. Mr. Law's evidence
also shows that he consulted with Mr.
Langan when necessary, and the plans
of the latter always met with his ap
proval. He also testified that he went
Into the mines only when requested by
Mr. Langan to consult on some partic
ular matter.
A general manager's duties are such
that he cannot make frequent visits
Into all the mines belonging to the com
pany in whose service he may be. Num
erous business matters constantly re
quite bis attention, and therefore each
department Is placed under a compet
ent head, whose dally duty it is to see
after the details of his particular de
partment nnd report anything which,
in bis opinion, requires the attention of
the general manager.
Mr. Lnngan, the general mine sup
erintendent, was the person next in
authority to Mr. Law. The term "sup
erintendent" means "The person who
shall have, on behalf of the owner,
general supervision of one or more
inlni-s or collieries." (Se-e urtlcle IS, un
der the head of "Definition of Terms"
of the Mine Ventilation Law, June 2,
18!)l.)
MR. LANOAN'S EXPERIENCE.
Mr. Lnngan had held this position In
the service of the Newton Coal Min
ing company, and had been connected
with this company in some capacity,
long before the Twin shaft was sunk to
the red ash vein. From boyhood he
had been an employee at UiU mile-,
beginning ns a driver; was prom led
to the position of driver boss:, und
served lu that capacity in tiv; Pittston
vein; and was made inside mine fore
man of the mine workings lu the vdni'ty
vein. I'nder his supervision the Twin
shaft was sunk to the red ash veil,
where he was nlso mine foreman tor
some years, until he was again pro
moted to the position of Sllle'iliti'li.ieiit
of tiie Twin shaft and all tho other
mines operated by the then owners.
When the present owners, Mtssrs.
Frank T. . Patterson, William Hill and
E. L. Fuller, took possession of these
mines seven years ago. John A. Meurs,
who was appointed general mnna'.-r,
continued Mr. Langan as mine super
intendent. Mr. Law succeeded Mr.
Wears In 1X92 and Mr. Langan was
retained in his position, wnL-n he held
until his death.
It Is to be presumed that Mr. Lnngan
had been a close student ourliiv? his long
und varied experience in mining and
was fully competent to contend with
all the eiuiiplU atlons of com mining,
yet, during nil his mining experience,
he may never have had to contend with
a general squeeze. It Is safe to assume
that he considered the squeeze nt the
Twin shaft of a local character, for if
be had possessed u true apprehension
of the magnitude of the subsidence
which was going on and the dungers
attending it. hi' would have withdrawn
with his men to the top of the shaft
und awaited results.
STATEMENT OF TONNAGE.
In connection with our inquiries iirtn
the cuuse of the Twin shuft disaster
we asked for the records kept at the
colliery in which accidents have been
recorded. We found that nine men had
lost their lives in seven years. The
following statement shows the average
number of tons of coal mined by the
Newton Coal Mining compuany at Its
Twin shuft for each life lost, cover
ing operations for a- period of seven
years, from lss'J to lsor, inclusive:
Lives
Lost.
None
Xone
1
1
4
Ton
nage. jii.ur. I
17!Mls i
'.'i8.S;ll
-'l!..".l.l
:'i';.si'
;lM.ee.l
;:i:,ib7 j
Year.
issa
lsvii)
P-'.q
IM2
I WW
INU
y.K
Coal used for steam purposes
during above seven yearn...
Total
II l,!H4.(iL':i
One man was killed by falling under
n car. one by a blast, one standing in
a cage pit when the cage came down
on him. one by a fall of roof, and five
by explosions of gas. fids statement
shows the average number of tons of
ci 0,1 produced per life lost to lie 216.
itiJH, while the average number of tons
oi coal produced per life lost through
i lit the eight anthracite districts for
the year ISO.7, Is 12:i,.VJ7.
The method of mining throughout t!t.
entire underground workings of the
Twin shaft colliery
p'llar and chamber
bus been by the
system, with no
sectional reservation blocks of coal left
to arrest a squeeze and conllne It to
the particular group of chambers from
which It may have begun. The Twin
shaft mine, however, compares favor
ably with others In this vicinity with
respect to width of chambers, headings
nra! size of pillars, for, from what we
could hear of how other collieries were
opciated in the neighborhood of Pitis
ton, and from our own observation, as
wed as from the maps we w re permit
ted to se, we found the samp mi tlmd
g nerally adopted ns at the Twin
Mm it. The Twin shnft ei-Hlerv hri nl-
ways been very gaseous unl required I
er large intake nnd outlt airways
in cider to Pass the necessary Mian-
'ity of nlr for all purposes, yt wo i
think some of the gangways in this j
mine were driven too wide and the :
chambers were opened too wide from '
tlii m. No fixed rule can be laid down .
for a uniform width of transportation ,
and Ventilation avenues In nil collier- i
les. necause tne requirements vary
with each mine. The cars used in col
lieries are not all of the same dimen
sions, and the law is mandatory only
in that sufliclent width shall be al
lowed in passageways for persons to
pass the cars, no matter What their
dimensions may be. (See Article 12,
Lule 43.) With regard to nlr passages.
tne amount or ulr necessary to be in i
circulation In one colliery may not be
adequate , ronirly to Ventilate anoth
er, and in proportion to the amount rf
air ricessaty to ventilate a colliery so
must the area be to comply with the
mine ventilation law. (See Section 7.
Article 10.) Some testimony was given
b'fore the commission that the head
ings were driven too wide In order to
save paying yardage. If we are to be
lieve this evidence. It must have been
false economy, for, from what we
found to be the conditions of the strata
overlying the coal seam, the expense
In maintaining these headings must
have been more than the amount usu
ally paid for yardage.
OPINIONS
AS TO PILLAR
POUTS.
srp-
The percentage of conl that should
be left as pillar ptinports Is a matter
about wnich opinions: differ, for it is
subordinate to unquestionable condi
tions which may pjclst on the surface
or from tho surface down to the top of
the coul seam and immediately under
it. One mine superintendent may de
termine to leave 60 per cent, of un
inini'il coal us pillar supports, while an
other would consider 40 per cent, suf
ficient for all purposes. In either case
however, the mine superintendent has
the absolute right to decide and to
dictate what the dimensions of the
mine openings and pillars Bhnll bp
There Is no state law that gives tb the
mine Inspector a discretionary power
in this matter, .except in cbsps where
he sees indications of danger, to the
lives of the workmen. It then would
be his duty to advise with the colliery
officials as to the proper means to be
taken to remove the danger, and, if
forced to do so, appeal to the court for
an injunction to restrain the operator
from further mining until the colliery,
or aectlon thereof, has been made per
manently safe. , In connection with he
Twin shaft workings, Mr. McDonald
considered the pillars large enough and
did not expect a squeze to take place
on account of weak supports. He did
not see nny Indications of a squeeze
on any of hla inspections visits to the
colliery, nor was he ever notified of any
trouble of a character demanding
special attention.
VENTILATION LAWS.
Article II, section 2 of the mine ven
tilation law reads:
"The owner, operator or superintend
ent of a mine or colliery, shall without
delay give notlco to the inspector of
the district In which said mine or col
liery Is situated In any or all of the
following causes." Case sixth: "Where
n squeeze, or crush, or any other cause,
or change may seem to affect the safe
ty of persons employed In any mine, or
where fire occurs, or a dangerous body
of gas is found in any mine."
Now, not only was the Twin shaft
mine affected by a terrible subsidence
of the overflowing strata, but a large
body of gas had accumulated west of
No. 3 slope. This gas, no doubt, had
collected there by reason of the air
passage being obstructed by a fall of
the roof, and the fracturing of the roof
strata liberating the confined gas. Uas
Is a very dangerous element to contend
with, especially so when a crush of the
roof strata takes place. It was known
that all the workmen ut the foot of No.
3 slope were using naked lamp),
and that the gus was "shoving;
out" to that point. The squeeze
hnd assumed certnln proportions
which made It possible at any
moment for a full to take plni'e or
tiicii dimensions as to displace the gus
causing it to come Into contact with
tne naked lamps, when a terrible ex
plosion would have been the result.
e also take into consideration the
fact that men's lives were In Imminent
danger from an explosion of gas, even
If they had been using safety lamps,
for. should n local fall of the roof have
taken place, It would have forced the
gns out at such a high velocity that
the liame of the safety lamps would
have been forced through the gauze
and Ignited the exterior gas. After
the extensive fall, however, there was
no evidence left to prove that there
had been an explosion of gas; yet there
Is reason to believe thnt un explosion
ir.ay have occurred, for. according to
the evidence, precautionary measures
wi re not taken to prevent it. The ab
sence of indications which generally
follow an explosion o'i sns would not
prove. In connection with this nccident,
that the gas was not Ignited, because
the cave-in may have occurred subse
quently to the explosion, which. In
this case, destroyed or burled all In
dications such as scattered fragment
of timber. Again, the residue from
combustion called "choke damp" could
have been diluted before the rescuing
party could have reached the point
where it was likely to be found.
Whether nn explosion occurred or not
we have no positive proof. 'We have
evidence, however, that naked lamps
were used on the night of the accident,
and the character of the squeeze ami
the results produced therefrom were
such ns would lead us to presume that
an explosion did occur.
CAUSE OF A SQUEEZE.
Different opinions are advanced by
mining men as to what is the original
car' of a mine squeeze. This subject
meets but little discussion, because a
squeeze will never occur where the pil
lar supports are strong enough to sus
tain the overlying strata. Where the
loot strata Is triable and dislocated or
"slippy." the chambers or breasts must
be driven narrower than where the
roof strata is comparatively stronger.
The roof strata, however, at the Twin
shaft mine was not unusually friable.
i.nO no fears were entertained that a
Midden displacement of a large area of
the overlying strata would take place,
anil we failed to learn that it has be
come publicly known that a cave-In
was likely to occur, it is true we often
meet with a dislocation In the strata,
such ps the "mud crack," found near
tiie bore hole in front of the workings
marked on map "Eley Stir. !Vi6.27."
fin.se features in the coal formation
veiy often give much trouble in keen
lti the roof of the vein from falling
down, as they generally weaken the
suiroiindings. Still the trouble will be
only local where the pillars are formed
large enough to sustain the lead over
them under ordinary conditions.
From our experience, however, nil
I initio squeezes, general or loeul, come
I on gradually and the indications are
always very manifest to the ear or to
I the eye, such as the. cracking of the
roof rock before an entire separation
takes place, and an occasional fall.
I These are evidences that sooner or lat
I er we may expect a collapse unless
I the squeeze can be arrested. A grad
j uul subsidence may continue for days,
weeks, or even months, before the linal
! separation takes place; yet plenty of
I warning and time arc given for all to
i escape from under the fall. In view of
i lids fact it will be readily seen, even
by the uninitiated, that loss of life does
not necessarily uttelid u mine squeeze
if those, whose duty it Is to'ditect, will
use all precautions to prevent the work
men from working under it.
MK. LANOAN'S JUDGMENT IN
DORSED. Mr. Langan, mine superintendent,
had directed what size the pillars
should be formed in the Twin shaft
mine, and his judgment In this respect
wus endorsed by Mr. McDonald, mine
Inspector, who testified that he con
sidered the iiillars In that mine large
enough. Mr. Langan not only hnd confidence-
in the strength of the pillar. I
throughout his entire colliery, but he j
was personally directing the work that j
was necessary, in his opinion, to ar-
rest the oqiiei-ze on the Saturday night j
i he ar.rt hi.-, faithful men were buried
under the ooilupso of the ro if strata, i
1 The iiillars throughout the entire J
: working:! in the Twin shaft collier
bu n v, v ,,Z;,K'
lieen e v legulai!)
have, as a whol
! formed, In our opinion, and the dinun
I slons of most of them were fairly fond.
The map shows u large pillar l,4.",o feet
long by Mi feel wide under the I.acka
I wunr.a river, extending from the met Id -i
inn line west to nnd under the center
j of the Susquehanna river opposite
Scovcll's Island. Where the two vii-m;
have been worked, as shown on the
i man. the pillars und cluiin'iers of the I
upper vein are not all Immediately
! above those In the lower Th's. to
j some extent, superinduced the mitieezi
I and caused the fulling down of coal
; and rock Into the No. 6 vein. and. al
j though tile midlines made by these
! fulls were filled up with lelus" and
"cogs hunt with logs, these sithk'ti
tutos could by no means be considered
eiptal In strength to the coil In Its un- j
j-.,...., .,, ,., in,- ev il hi iis un-
broken state: because, In proportion to
the height of even n closi ly built pil-hir-suppri
t of e'ther ro. k or wood, as
they are generally imiit in mines, so
will be the distance they will he com
pressed by the weight nt the overlyitpr I
strata. Therefore. If we would have the i
roof supported properly. It Is safer and I
cheaper to leave enough tinmined coal
for that purpose." Where two veins tire I
so intimate ns thofp at the Twin shaft, !
the upper vein should be mined tirst. j
for, even with the greatest rare taken '
to have chamber over chamber, the
partition rock Is liable to tall down,
taking the miner with it and killing
him. '
The Twin shaft mini has nlways been
very gaseous and the coul of a :'rc
nature, and where much gas is confined
In the conl, ns ot this colliery, the ccal
Is liable to burst out, even wh.'i" ihe
pillars have been formed wli'i opi ii'ngs
on all sides of them, and thoe in aban
doned sections of the colliery, undrr
these conditions, will, from time to
time become reduced Jn g!:e nnd
strength. We know where gas in snt;i
anthracite collieries has forced the i-oal
out of the solid for vards ahead of the
face of n gangway having on atva of
only 75 feet, burying the miners and
fouling the atmosphere for hundreds of
feet back from the fep, so suddenly
did the pressure of the conilnpil gas in
front of the mliici displace the solid
coal that thpy hnd no time to escape
However, the dangers attending an occurrence-
of this character cannot
considered parallel with thrr?e attend
ing B mine queoze, ror, as we have
already stated, not wltlistund'pg a mire
squeeze may nnd often does occur, suf
ficient warning: Is always Riven for all
to escape to a place of safety.
We have carefully Inspected as much
of the Twin shaft colliery workings as
it was possible for us to do, and at the
same rime acquainted ourselves with
the method of mining, as shown on the
colliery map. We have nlso taken Into
consideration whnt effect the "mud
crack" would necessarily have on the
rock strata. In addition, we have also
noted the absence of targe reservation
pillars of coal left sectionally through
out the colliery. These have not yet
been Introduced in connection with coal
mining in the vicinity of Pittston Af
ter matured deliberation, we havoicoine
to the conclusion that the "mud crack,"
discovered In front of the boro hole
marked on map "Kiev. Sur. 554, 27,"
which dislocated the roof strata, to
gether with some irregularity in the
formation of the pillars and the cham
bers of No. 5 vein not being nil vertical
ly over those la No. 6 Vein, was the
original cause of the squeeze.
We have also been ashed by you to
state In our report whether, In our
opinion, nny precaution was omitted
which would have prevented such loss
of life. Our opinion is thnt. notwlth
"tandlng a squeeze did occur at the
Twin shnft colliery. Mr. Langan, who
was lu charge of the work. erred in
judgment in going so far into the mine
from the bottom or the shaft. Having
gone so far from n means of escape to
innke an examination of the squeezing
section of the colliery, he put Ids men
to work to arrest the squeeze, which he
may have considered local, and he nnd
his men worked for hours under the
squeezing territory until the collapse
came. So, without a question of doubt,
his error of judgment wus the cause of
the loss of his own life ns well as of
those subordinate to him. Mr. Mc
Donald, the mine Inspector, cannot In
any way be held responsible for the ac
cident, not having been notified of the
squeeze by the mine superintendent.
Accompanying our report is n trac
ing of two veins mined simultaneously,
with breast over breast and pillar over
pillar, which is the only safe method
of mining coal where the veins are
close to one another; also a tracing
showing the plan of mining coal freini
groups of ten breasts between reserva
tion pillars- No. 2 shows that the
breasts may he opened nt nn angle to
the gangway, other than a right angle,
and the breasts on the one side of the
gangway opened opposite a pillar on
the other side. No. 3 shows a group of
ten breasts opened nt light angles to
the gangway, and also opposite to the
pillar on the other side. The openings
connecting the breasts, as shown on
No 2 ami No. 3, are not opposite one
another. Tills method of mining
strengthens the surroundings of all the
openings and increases the safety of
the workmen, for should a squeeze
occur, its effects would be confined to
one group of breasts. Again, should a
lire occur, dams could be constructed
on the gangway opposite these reser
vation iiillars, which would necessi
tate lloodliif only the section of the
colliery In which Ihe fire was located.
Each group of breasts could also be
ventilated separately, thereby dis
charging all impurities from combus
tion ami otherwise into the return nlr
way, which would give a safer and
healthier atmosphere for the inert to
breathe.
A tracing of part of the workings of
j Paeki r No. 3 colliery, belonging to the
I Lehigh Valley Coal company, also no-
companies our report. This shows the
memoii ot mining coal, ns introduced
by Superintendent Col. I). )'. ltrown,
twenty years ago. The tracing shows
the reservation pillars, the breasts be
tween them, and also the final robbing
ftom the barrier nillar west towards
the slope, n will be noticed that each
lift is robbed back, one a little In ad
vance of the other.
SAFETY IlECOMMENDATIONS.
To guard against and prevent a repe
tition ir such accidents as that at the
Twin shaft, we would respectfully
suggest for your consideration the fol
lowing: Flrst-That reservation pillars of coal be
left iinniiiie:! Kfetloiiiilly throughout each
colliery, of f i ! illin, rislons as will form
the position of two breasts or chambers
ami two pillars with a group of not nion
than len (Wl breasts or chambers between
two I'efervatlun pillars.
Second Where mole than one scum of
coul l in operation, reservation pillars
of coal shall he formed In each seam, one
vertically over Hie (, tiler, ami where sueli
rtsi rvulimi pillurs Imvn not already been
formed 111 Collieries now In nn. '!!, twin II,.,
mine Inspector shall have power to enforce
me tuiiie, aim no upi.-nutHH other than
trnnspui liition ninl ventilating avenues
shall be il riven .through these reservation
pillars unless by permission of the district
mine Inspector,
Third The eoal may he mined from thes
resirrviiilnii pillars on giving notice to Hie
mine Inspector, lull not until final rubbing
may he begun, ami only where the surface
' "; ons win permit or such mining
i in. leiisnns iii invur ot the tlir
inn siiugi stions are:
fore,Oi
1. Should a squeeze occur, it would be
eonlilieil to olio kioiio of lin nstu r ,.lc,m.
I bers.
2. Should nn explosion occur, the cfTe 'ts
of it would be. confined to one particular
group' of breasts or chambers.
3. Each group conl'l be ventilated sojiai'.
ntely nn, I the Impurities from combustion
iiml otherwise generated In each group
could be discharged into the return iii:--wuy.
which would give n purer and sia'er
atmosphere for the men to breathe.
I. Where reservation iiillars are left un
der surface streams of water, they should
be left uiiiiiiiieil unless It lias been proved
beyond a question of doubt that It is safe
to do so.
Second suggestion Heservation pillars
or coal should also be left iinmiiied iiinler
surface streams and rivets, the width of
the pillar to be in proportion to the width
of the stream or i iv;', an I depth from
tiie surface to the top of coal seam.
The reas. a for giving the second sugges
tion Is that ihe pl'l.irs left large under
streams of water will prevent the snrfnc
lien oi i ne si renin Horn fracturing
ml
I.tlooiltng the colliery, will. Ii has happened
, ,ht. M..tory f ,.ml min,,u.
I'oiirlli suggestion A skeleton map of
! each vein mined In each colliery shall be
I furnished by the owners, operator or su
! pel Intendeiit to the mine inspector, show-
it'g the course of nil the air currents, In-
tiikn and outlet, niso nil the main and
I distributing doors, and overcasts, and
i should any important or permanent change
ho m ule in the course of the nlr current.
the Inspecior shall bp not 1 lied so that th
change may he put upon his map.
Tin. i-.iKnn t'.tr 1. 1 I ,r ihn frtiit'tli mirrme.
I lion is. that, should ail the official lose
! their lives by nccident, us at the Twin
Shaft, those who might volunteer to assist
I In rescuing the eiitouibcil men would be
I better able to do so with the uld of such
i a mtip.
! Fifth suggest ion In collieries generating
I ixplosive (.'as. where the workmen ultcr
; nately use nakc and safety latuns, they
s.inil absolutely use saiety lamps.
reason Tor giving
j Is that nearly allftccldr
The reason ror giving the urih suggestion
ems from explosions
gas. latal and non-fatal, occur in col-
llerits wh"re this practice Is in use, mi l
not in collieries where the workmen absu
lutily use the snfely lamp.
We have the honor to be
Vt"-y respectfully.
WILLI AM STEIN.
EDWARD RODERICK.
EDWARD DRENNAN.
TO WAN DA.
Towanda will have an excellent the
atrical treat at Hale's opera house next
Monday evening in the production of
Dan Sherman's "Old Dan Tucker" com
edy company, which conus highly rec
ommended f''om their former visiting
towns. Their cast of characters Is one
of th" rtrotigest, and Manager Klrby
j-hould receive the courtesies of all in
greeting his troupe with a crowded
house.
Candy t ented Snrsup.irillii.
DR. DETCHON'S "VITAIJZIN'O
SAP.SAPAT.ILLA FILLS" are candy
coated nnd delightful to take. Com
bined with the Saisaparilla are other
extremely valuable blood and nerve
remedies which render these Pills the
greatest blood purifier and blood maker
as well as the m6st powerful nerve
builder known. They are a wonderous
ccure ior Anaemia and all Blood Dis
eases, Nervous Diseased,' Paralysis, In
digestion, Loss of Appetite, all Female
Weaknesses and Irregularities, Pale
and Sallow Complexion, Physlral and
Mental Weakness, Early Decay, Failing
Health, etc., etc. Price 60 cents and
$1.00. Sold by Catl Lorenz, druggist,
418 Lackawanna avenue, Suranton,
Connolly & Wallace
HAVE JUST
tw If MI Mlm hw
The stock represents a careful selection from the very best
Dress Goods importers in our country, and embrace many
novelties that cannot be found elsewhere.
Without going into the detail of naming over each style
and kind, which is a useless proceeding any way, we invite you
to call and inspect the line, feeling assured that the high char
acter of the goods and the very low prices for which they will
be sold, will attract your substantial attention.
CONNOLLY &
A WORD.
WANT3 OF AL.L KINDS COST THAT
MITCH. WHKN PAID FOR IN AD
VANCE. WHEN A BOOK ACCOUNT
13 M ADR NO CHAKGB WILL BE LES3
THAN 2.1 CENTS. THIS RULE AV.
PLIES TO SMALL WANT ADS.. EX
CEPT LOCAL SITUATIONS, WHICH
ARE INSERTED FREE.
HELP WANTED M ALUS.
W
ANTED LUNCH COUNTERMAN AT
St. l.'enls. One who uuuorntanai cook-
iuic.
v
r ANTED PLASTEKERS. APPLY THIS
morning nt rtew Board or Iraue uuiid-
ing.
A BUILDING AND LOAN OR IXSUH
ance man wanted on a uw arliemo which
Imnrs investigation and pays well. Addraaa
P., caro Scrauton Tribune.
WANTED-AS AOENT IN EVERY SEC
tion to convass: 84.00 to $.' a day
mado ; sells at Eight; also a man to sell Staple
(loods to dealers; best aido line $75 a mouth:
Biliary or largo commission made: exporienee
nmiPCosBary. Clifton Soap and Manufactur
ing Co., Cincinnati, O.
ItTANTED WELL-KNOWN MAN IN
VV every town to solicit atock unliscrip
Hons: a monopoly ; big money for agents: no
rapital rcipiirod. EDWARD C. FISH tc CO.,
Borden Block, Chicmfo. J1U
II EL1 WANTED FEMALES.
YV"ANTEI AT ONCE-A BRIGHT AND
V intelligent young lady to travel; Hilary
ft'Wi per year and expenses. Apdresa C. R.
MARSHALL, Tribnno.
IADIEH-1 MAKE BIO WAOES DOING
j pleasant home work, and will gladly aend
full particulars to all sending - cent stamp.
MISS M. A. STEPBIXB, Lawrouce. Mich.
"1.T ANTED LADY AGENTS IN SCRAN
t V ton to roll and Introduce Snyder's cako
icintr: experienced canvasser preferred: work
permanent and very profitable. Write for
particulars at once and ret benefit of holiday
truile. T. B. 8NYDEK CO., Cincinnati, O.
1ITANTED IMMEDIATELY TWO ENER-
getio saleswomen to represent us
Guaranteed ill a day without interferring
with other duties. Ileult lit nl occupation.
Writo for particulars, enclosing stamp, Mango
(liemicol Company, No. 72 John Street, New
York.
AGENTS WANTED.
IIANTED fi,0U0 AGENTS FO RUS
V aeb's authorized "LIVEd OV W KI)
LEY AND He'BART;" rMl pnges, elegantly
IlluStrateil; price only mint!; tiie hst and tho
cljuapest. and outsails nil others; .j'J nr cent,
tu agents and the freight paid. J7"Hoo!(s
I now ready; gave time by senillnU fi cents in
sftmiie for an outfit at once. Address A. D.
j WOKTHINtlTON & CO., Hartford, Conn.
GENTS WHAT AHE YOU GOING TO
2 doatiotit Safe Citizenship price SI. Go-
ing bv thousand
Address, NICHOLS,
Naperviile, 111.
AGENT3-TO BELL OUR PRACTICAL
glod, silver, nlcKiil aim copper electro
! plasters; prices from SS tipwaiil: salary and
i expenses paid: outfit free. Address, with
I atamp. Mil IIIGA.V IFO CO.. Chicago.
' T "GENTS TO SELL G1GARSTO DEA LEK9;
: J !5-T weekly and expenses: exnerleneii un
I necessary. CONSOLIDATED MEG CO.. 4S
j Van Buren st , Chicago.
CALLS MAN TO CARRY SIDE LINE: '-"
ie f,r rent. I'diniii iyKinn : snimile book wailed
free. Aiiilroa L. N. CO., fcta'.lon L, Now
Y'.rl--.
FOR SALE.
"HI I? SALE AT A SACKIEICE-1.7 YARDS
nf ihn IlihL Wt-lv ItriisselM nnrnet: ni.n bn
soen at M Pino street.
VOU RALE A SILVER PLATED CONN
I1 double bell etii'lioiiium. i. tool v enionvod
with trends no bell, pold lined: tiearlv new
' ami nat f'Mi: will sel ut n bnruain. Address
this week to E. W. GAY LOR, LaEaysvillo,
Pa.
I L?OR SALE OR RENT SIX-ROOMED COT
! I face. Wvoniinz Camp Ground: partly
! furnish-'d. 'W. II. HAKLETT. i-cr.-vntuii.
! T'OR SALE-HORSE, AGED SIX YEARS.
; I weight LOW curds; can be seen nt l'i-'l
: Price street.
.'OR SALE MY COTTAGE AT ELM-
hurst and the four lots on which it
ftnnds; nl-o tho four lets adjoining: most lie.
sirul lo location in Ehnlmrat: prices rensona
lde: tenns easv iiossrsicu given at once. K.
P. Kl NOfil'IVY. Ctiirnionweultii Building,
Scianton I'm.
REAL ESTATE,
l'OR SALE THE REST (CKNTRAL1 CITY
I lots for snio. Can pay It! pr cent, ns ie
vestnieiit. Cm r prices less than half that paid
for lota uear!iv. Th niiiuliH?' of lots on lini
r.v'Hiiuis is diminislilaT. and therefore tho
v.-ihie enhancing. 'I'le'iv li-u bpon an iuerpnsM
of iiearlv 4)1 per cnt. la abont n year. Price
will t rebabiy duublo alter el-etion. lt'iy liov
lieforp the liitr beoii. JOS :l!l Spruce.
HORSES FOR SALE,
HANDSOME PAIR nr tit.At.'K CO U'H
V horses. III han Is: excellent style nnd ac
tion, kind and fearless of ad objects; n tnng
nitlcent family team nnd goort roaders. Ad
dress C. W. WILIIELM. Heading. Pa.
LOST.
I ETWEEN MUNICIPAL BUILDING AND
1 215 Lackawanna avennc, a pneketbool:
containing some money nn 1 vhbinblo paper:
finder will b rewarded if returned. Mrs. A.
A. 1'ALMKR, "10 Lackawanna avenue.
HOARD AND ROOMS WANTED.
B" OAR DVOUOO M BEU INNING
Oct 30, iii privato family, central city,
by young business man. wife and chilU. Re
ferences exchanged. Address "Wilkes," care
Tribune.
CLAIRVOYANT.
A f ADAM E. TATEMAN, THE WORLD'S
1V1 greatest mind reader and clairvoyant is
at 242 Frnnklln avenne. Seraiiton, Pa and
will remain for 10 days only. She may bu
nonsuited dally CSnndar excenti".l from 9 a.
m. to v r- " on an anaira or lire, Duainea
I transaction, lore, marriage, ate, Ladlaa only.
01 CENT
OPENED AN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE LINE OF
WALLACE,
SITUATIONS WANTED.
CirtATIT'wNTI
C? to do wakhlngcr cleaning houses, otlleea
nr scrubbing. Address, A. C, M Ninth (it.,
Hyde Park.
VMT UATION WANTED - ACCOUNTANT.
exfiert. dinires tu associate himself with
some large concern as head bookkeeper,
cashier, credit man or general auditor. Ad
dross, ACCOUNTANT, lit 8. Main Avenue.
SITUATION. WANTED BY' STEADY
& young man: best of references; 21 years
old; in ohice or wholesale house. Address,
H. L. M., 'JUj Lackawanna avonue, Scrautuii,
Pa.
'OUNG MAN DKSIRES POSITION IN A
law office; nnderatands atenonraphy and
typewriting. Address J. 11., No. 2, Tribune.
SITUATION WANTED BY A BOBER. IN
dust nous young married man. aged SI;
win worg at aur'ninu, tan or aauiraa a.
11., ,1'ia breck Court, city.
SITUATION WANTED AS A STATION
O ury engineer, pump runner or fireman; in
also a flrst-class icj machine runner: ha had
live and i half years' experience at ice ma
chine mo.);; can furnish good references,
Auilrota .1. D. W O.J Pen n avenue, city.
SITUATION WANTED BY A YOUNG
man aa single or double entry bookkeep
er or stenographer; has had extonslve expe
rience in all branches. Address t II., Room
10, Burr Building,
FOR RENT.
IOK KENT-HALF OF DOUBLE HOUSE!
X modern improvement; rent reasonable;
corner of Pine and Blakely streets, Dunmore.
CITY SCAVENGER.
AB. BRIGGS CLEANS PRIVY VAULTS
. and ceas pools: no slor; improved
pumps used, i A. BKIGQS, Proprietor.
Leave orders 1100 North Main avenue, or
Erckes' drag store, cornor Auams and Mul
berry. Telephone 43.15.
ANNUAL MEETING.
rpiIE ANNUAL MEETING OK THE .MEM
X bers of the Lackawanna Store Associa
tion, limited, will he hel l-at the ollice of tho
Association, In the city of Scran toil, on Wed
nesday, Oct. 7th. IMl'.at 2 o'clock p.m., for the
election of managers for the nntulmc year and
for the transaction of ucU other business as
may properli come before the meeting.
J. P. I1IGG1NSON, Secretary.
Scranton. Pa., Rept, 12, 1S08.
SPECIAL NOTICES.
V V i HE SOLDIER IN OUR Clvl'WAR "
1 You want this relic. Contains all of
Frank Leslie's rajnous old war pictures. show
ing the force lu actual hattle.sketched on the
spot. Two volumes, ".100 pictnres. Sold on
easy monthly payments. Delivered br ex
press complete, all charges prepaid. Address
P. O. MOODY, e. Adams Ave., Scranton, Pu.
CHIROPODIST AND MANICURE,
Co1tNls)Bul!aON AND
ingrowing nails scientifically treated at
E. M. HETSEI.'S chiropody, hairuressing and
manicure parlors, 'St) Lackawauua avenue.
Consultation free.
LEGAL
JN THE MATTER OK THE PETITION OF
tho city of Scranton for the appointment
of viewers to ascertain the ciist". damages,
and expenses, mid asses.) the lienefits for lat
eral aewer tin Sanderson avenue, between
Glen street and Clejrry place, and tim north
erly side of Cherry piece, between Sanderson
avenue nnd Caponse avMiuo. In tlin Court of
Com moil Pleas, No. 45, November term. lfrttB.
Notice is herebv given that an application
will be made to tho Judves of the Court of
Ci.tiiniou Pleas of Lackawanna comity on
Saturday, Hie "d day of October. IM'U, nt 0
o'cliKjk a, in., for the uptmintnieiit of viewers,
1 1 ascertain the costs, expenses and ben-lit
to property, and uiso to ascertain the damages
to or suffered le- nnv person or property by
reason of the sai-1 sewer,
.1 AMES H. i OK REY, Cltv Solicitor.
APPLICATION FOR CHARTER,
TN THE COURT OK COMMON PLtiAS OF
1 Lie-'kawuiina Covin tr. No. Iil4, s-eptvniibjr
term. I'ii. N 'ti:.o :s herebv given thnt nil
anplic-it'.on ivi'l l,.i cade to tin baid cvoirt oa
October !'-. ISIH nt v u clock a. in., under tr.n
Act ot Assembly ot tho otnnitihwcMth ot
Pcaiivflvniiia, entitled "Aa Act 1 1 provide for
tin iucoriioration and regulation of eurtruii
coriio. otions. approved April i'Jl'.i, IsTV
ami ino supplements thereto, for tho
charter of an intended corporation to
e called "Saints Peter and Paid
Russian OrtholnX Greek Catholic Hen
eHcin) Sorietv. of Scrautuii. Pa.." the charac
ter und object whereof U the mainteiuinco of
11 hoeieti' tor bel'.eni'i.li and protective pur
tuises t.i its minders from funds cntlectoti
therein, nnd for these purposes to have, pos-
sis'. unci etijov ell tan rirhis, benefits aim
lirivileir-js ot fie said Act of Assembly and its
siippU'in-ii's- The pro osed charter Is now on
litem tho Protlio otarv s oniee.
TAYLidtA: LEWIS, Soliclto s.
PROFESSIONAL CARDS.
Physicians mid Surgeon.
MAR V A. SHEPHERD,
Adams uevnue.
,M. D., .NO. 23
Dit" A. TRAl'OLD. SPECIALIST IN
Discuses of Women, corner Wyoming
avenue and Spruce strce-t, runton. Of
fice bourn. Thursday und Saturdays, 9
u. m. to U p. m.
DR. COMEOYS OKEH'E NO. 337 N.
Way hlngtoii live. Hours. m, t0 a n. m,
DiscMne.i of v.unieii u specialty, Tele
l liot.e No.
DR. W. K. ALLEN, 512 NORTH WASM
inglon uvenue.
DR. ANNA LAW, lies WVO.VHNO A Vt-T
ivfflcp hours, 0-11 a. in., 1-C p. ni i-S p. nt.
DR. C. L. THEY, PRACTICE LIMITED,
iliscut'cs of the Eye. Ear, Nose and
Throat; olllce 1A! Wyoming uve. Resi
dence, :':'. Vine street.
DR. L. Ji. GATES, ir. WASHINGTON
iiveiiuc. Ofllce hourc, 8 to 'J a. ,m., 1 30
to 3 and 7 to 8 p. ni. Residence uu! Madi
son uevnue.
DR. S. W. LAMEREAI X. A SPEOIAL
i.t on chronic discuses or the heart,
lungs, liver, kidney und genlto urinary
orguns. will occupy the ofllce of Dr.
Rous. Adams uevnue. Olllce hours,
1 to L p. m.
DR. C. L. FREAS. SPECIALIST IN
Rupture, Truss Pitting and Eut Reduc
tion. Rooms 'A' nnd l!i7 Meurs Building.
Office telephone UK). Hours: 10 to 12, 2
to 4, 7 to v.
V. O." ROOK, VETERINARY SUR,
geon. Horses, Cattle and Dogs treated.
Hospital. 121 Linden street, Scranton.
Telephone, tiiT2.
209 Washington Avenue,
Opp. Court House.
Lawyers.
FRANK E. UOYLE. ATTORNEY AND
coiiiisellor-nt-laiv. Hurr building, rooms
13 and II, Washington uvenue.
HDWAHD W. THAYER, ATT Y' AT LAW,
-11 Wyoming avenue.
JEFFREY'S & RUDDY. ATTORNEY3-Ht-luw,
Commonwealth building.
WARREN KNAPP, ATTORNEYS
nnd Counsellors nt Law. Republican
building, Wushlugtoti avenue, Scranton,
t'a.
JKSSUPS HAND. ATTORNEYS AND
Counsellors at Law. Commonwealth
building, Washington avenue.
W. H. JESSl'P.
HORACE K. HAND,
VH. JESS UP, JR.
PATTERSON & WILCOX, ATTOR
neys and Counsellors at Law; otllcos 6
und 8 Library building, Scrunton, Pa.
ROSEWKLL II. PATTERSON,
WILLIAM A. WILCOX.
ALFRED HAND. WILLIAM J. HAND,
Attorneys nnd Counsellors. Common
wealth building. Rooms 19, 20 and 21.
FRANK T. OK ELL, ATTORNEY-AT-l.uw,
Room 5, Coul Exchange, Scranton,
Pu.
JAMES W. OAKFORD. ATTORNEY-at-Law.
rooms tJ. 01 and Co, Common
wealth building.
SAMUEL W. EDOAR, ATTORNEY-AT-Law.
Ofllce, 317 Spruce st Scranton, Pa.
U A. WATRES. ATTORN EY-AT-LAW,
423 Luckawtinna ave.i Scranton, Pa.
VniE TOWNSEVD, ATTORNEY-AT-l.uw,
Dime Hank Ilttllillng, Scranton.
Money to luun in large sums at 5 per
cent.
C. R. PITCH Elf. ATTORNEY-AT-luw.
Commonwealth building, Sirunton,
Pa.
C. COMEGYS. El SPRUCE STREET.
D. B. RBPLOGLli. ATTORNEY-LOANS
negntluted on real estate security.
Meurs building, corner Washington ave
nue und Spruce street.
B. F. KILLAM, ATTORN EY-AT-LAW.
120 Wyoming uve., Scrunton, Pa.
JAS. J. II. HAMILTON, ATTORNEY-AT-law,
4u Commonwealth bid's, Scranton.
WATSON. DIEHL HALL Attorneys
and Counsellors-Ht-Luw; Traders' Na
tional Hank Huildltig; rooms ti, 7, 8, 0
and 10; third Moor.
Dentists.
DIl. E.
street.
L. MGRAW, 303 SPRUCK
PU. E. Y. HARRISON, 113 S. MAIN AVE.
C. C. LAUHACH, SURGEON DENTIST.
No. 115 Wyoming avenue.
rTji7sTRATTON, OFFICE COAL Ex
change. WF.LCOM E C. SNOVER, 421 LACKA.
live. Hours, 9 to 1 and 2 to S.
Arcliitccts.
KUWARD H. DAVIS,
Rooms 21. 23 and 2'i,
ARCHITECT.
Commonwealth
building, Si'iunton.
e" I.. WALTER. ARCHITECT. OFF1CM
rear of W" Washington uvenue.
LKWTS HANCOCK. JR., ARCHITECT,
-135 Spruce si., cor. Wash, ave., Scranton.
BROWN MORRIS. ARCHITECTS.
Price huildlnti, 12'i Washington avenue,
S runton.
Detectives,
BARRING M'SWEENEY. COMMON,
wealth building. Interstate Secret Ser
vice Agency.
Alderman.
O. F. KELLOW. l'lOl W. LACK A. AVE.
Dressmaker.
SIRS. M. E. DAVIS. 430 Adams 0 venue.
Schools.
SCHOOL OF THE LACKAWANNA.
Scrunton, Pu., prepares boys and girb
for college or business; thoroughly
trains young children. Catalogue at re
quest. REV. THOMAS M. CAXN,
W ALTER II. HUELL.
MISS WORCESTER'S KINDERGARTEN
and School. 112 Adams nvcnuu, Sprlntf
term April 13. Kindergarten $10 per term.
SeeJs.
tS. H. CLARK & CO.. SI'EHMEN AND
Nurserymen; store oil Washington ave
nue; green bonce, lvX.rt North Main uve
nue; store telephone, 72.
Wire Screens.
JUS. KI'ETTEL, REAR Ml LACK As
wanna uvenue. Scranton, Pa., manufac
turer of Wire Screens.
Hotcta und Restaurants.
THI0 ELK CAFE. 123 and 127 FRANK
lih avenue. Rates r. asoiiable.
P. ZEIGLEK. Proprietor.
SCRANTON HOUSE. NEAR D., L. & W.
passenger depot. Onndueteil on the
Kuropeun plun. VICTOR KOCH. Prop
WESTMINSTER HOTEL.
Cor. Sixteenth St. und Irving Place,
New York.
Rates, $3.50 tier day and upwards. (Ameri
can plan.) E. N. AN A RLE,
Proprietor.
Miscellaneous.
BAUER'S ORCHESTRA MUSIC FOR
balls, picnics, parties, receptions, wed
dings and concert work furnished. For
terms address R. J. Uuiier. conductor,
117 Wyoming uvenue, over Hulhert's
music store.
MK5.VRC,Ei:"llROTHERS. PRINTERS'
supplies, envelopes, paper bugs, twine.
Warehouse, Kin Washington ave., Scrun
ton, Pa
FRANK P. RROWN & CO., WHOLE
sule dtnlera In Wood ware. Cordage and
OH Cloth. 72') West Lackawanna uve.
THOMAS AUBREY, EXPERT Ac
countant and auditor. Rooms 1H and 20,
Williams Rullillng, opposite postotHce,
Agent for the Rex Fire Extinguisher.